GROW VEGETABLES , FRUITS AND HERBS IN YOUR BACKYARD GARDEN – AMEENA JUNG

Ameena Jung Wife of Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi here today stressed on the need of garden lovers to go in for edible landscaping by growing vegetables, herbs and fruits in home gardens as they help in saving money on grocery bills and enjoy better health.

“Most garden-lovers think that beauty in nature lies in the flowers and ornamental plants. What they fail to notice is that vegetables and herbs can make a nice display in the scenery as well. The best thing about it is one can create a healthy, chemical-free edible yards containing flowers, herbs, seeds, berries and plants that one can eat. It does not have to be large. One can start small with a few pots and containers, or even just a window box with a few herbs. and nothing tastes better than from one’s own yard” said Ms Ameena Jung while inaugurating a Two day Fruit, Vegetable and Flower show with the Theme ‘Gardening for Health and Happiness’ organised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) at Defence Colony in South Delhi today .

“Create a beautiful, well-manicured yard that returns high quality organically-grown food. Apart from saving moneygardening has many health and therapeutic benefits, and can be enjoyed by everyone. Edible landscapes can be just as attractive, yet produce fruits and vegetables for home use as landscaping can also be a good source of food. Gardening holds the key to improved mental health, stress relief, and much-needed exercise in a world where most of us spend our days sitting in front of computers in artificially lit rooms. Landscaping using vegetables is a gratifying activity, more than merely landscaping with flowers and shrubs.” She added.

” More than 10,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements are on display during the two day show. This includes herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display” said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA)

“This year AIKGA has shifted the focus and theme of the show on health benefits of gardening as more people are becoming concerned about the quality of their food and recognize the physical, mental, and even spiritual benefits of connecting with nature through gardening . The health benefits of gardening include exercise, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure and getting fresh air . Similarly Eco-friendly gardening as this trend is becoming popular world wide for growing vegetables ,fruits and fish round the year.” said Ms Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

“Eco-gardening includes concept of encouraging growth of birds and bee friendly plants, use of home grown compost and used tea fertilizers, use of discarded plastic bottles and containers, rain water harvesting . Besides eco gardening, the festival is also focussing on roof top farming ,which helps provide the decorative benefit, food, temperature control, hydrological benefits and architectural enhancement” said Mrs Gupta .

The other highlights of the spring festival include Spot Live Demo’s ,vegetable fruit display competition , painting competition for children , session on eco gardening, sale of garden related items, farm fresh vegetables, seeds and plants for summers. Various chapters of the association in Delhi and National Capital Region will be presenting whole range of nutrition food and related recipes to meet the needs of changing lifestyle.